- Today's Word
Acrimony
AK-ruh-moh-nee
Definition
(noun) Bitterness or harshness in speech, behavior, or disposition.
Example
The acrimony between the former business partners was palpable at the hearing.
Fun Fact
“Acrimony” comes from the Latin acer, meaning “sharp.” It’s often used to describe cutting, hostile tone in arguments, especially when tension lingers. Acrimonious exchanges show up in political debates, divorce trials, or long-standing rivalries—where bitterness boils beneath the words.
(adjective) focused on practical results and real-world consequences rather than ideals, theories, or abstract principles.
Instead of arguing over perfect solutions, she took a pragmatic approach and fixed what could be done immediately.
Pragmatic traces back to the Greek word pragmatikos, meaning “relating to deeds or actions,” from pragma (“thing done” or “action”). It entered English in the late 16th century, originally referring to people skilled in managing practical affairs, before evolving into its modern meaning of valuing usefulness and outcomes over theory.